Odisha Police Neutralizes Two Maoists in Kandhamal Encounter

Bhubaneswar, Jun 30 (PTI) — In a significant operation, Odisha Police successfully neutralized two Maoists in Kandhamal district on Monday, with a notable seizure of arms and ammunition from their camp, as per an official police statement.

The slain Maoists have been identified as Manku and Chandan. Manku was recognized as an Area Committee Member (ACM) within the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), while Chandan held the position of a party member.

In addition to retrieving the bodies, law enforcement officials seized a rifle, along with a cache of revolvers, cartridges, walkie-talkie sets, batteries, and various other articles, according to the statement issued by the police headquarters.

Following a tip-off regarding the presence of Maoists near a protected forest area under Baliguda police station, the District Voluntary Force (DVF) executed a tactical operation.

"Around noon today, a gun battle erupted between DVF personnel and the Naxalites. Manku and Chandan were neutralized during this exchange of fire. Following this, the police recovered the bodies and have intensified their operations in the proximity," the statement elaborated.

Odisha Director General of Police Y B Khurania extended his congratulations to Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harisha B C and the DVF team members for the success of this operation.